Ch. 3
Ryan found Maxine sitting on a bench across the street from the restaurant. The street lamp illuminated her. Ryan thought she looked angelic. Looking both ways, he crossed the street and took a seat next to Maxine.
Inching closer to her, he took her hand in his but didn't force her to look at him. "I knew it was you all along," he replied quietly and waited for her reaction. Maxine spun her head so fast, she gave herself a minor case of vertigo.
"You knew?" Maxine shrieked. "Why the hell didn't you say anything before? Why didn't you stop me as I went on and on in the restaurant?"
Ryan pushed a strand of her hair from her face. "Because I wanted to hear it from you but I knew I wouldn't ever hear it because of that silly rule you have. Calleigh and I schemed a little, we figured if we pushed your buttons long enough, then you would admit it."
Maxine's shoulders slumped. "I don't know what to say." She looked into Ryan's eyes, searching once more for his thoughts.
"Tell me you like me." Ryan replied, smiling coyly, wrapping an arm around her.
Maxine chewed her lip once more. "I… I like you Ryan," she replied. He continued to grin as he moved closer to her lips.
"Say it again." Ryan mumbled, as he kissed her.
Maxine felt her body grow suddenly warm and she nuzzled his nose against hers as she pulled away. "I like you."
"Good." Ryan said with a quick nod. "Because if you couldn't tell, I'm crazy over you."
FIN